My newest interview is with Joanna Strafford of London. She’s acted in the theatre and in film. She is in the fantasy film Warlord, which is winning international awards and climbing the charts to number one on Amazon. Joanna shares with me the actor who inspired her to become one. She talks about what she loves about the theatre and her love of being on the screen too.
Introducing Joanna…
What do you love about your life?
That every week is different!
I loved your performance as Colette in Warlord. What did you enjoy about portraying her in the film?
Thank you! I loved her strength, determination and love for her friends and family. She never gives up.
Tell me, do you have a favorite scene from Warlord?
The bar brawl scene was very fun to film! The scene involved a huge cast of actors, and we filmed in an amazing hall at the top of a tower in Chillingham Castle. I loved watching it back in the final edit.
That was a fun scene to watch. Warlord has been receiving international recognition, climbing the charts, and heading toward number one on Amazon in various countries. What’s it like to be part of a film that is receiving international attention and awards?
It is really exciting! So much work, time and care went into creating the film, so it is amazing to see when it pays off.
Was there a particular actor or film that inspired you to become an actor?
Helen McCrory is my all-time inspiration. She was phenomenal. I was lucky enough to see her play Medea in Medea at the National, and Hester in Deep Blue Sea. She really was one of a kind.
You’ve been acting for a while, and you’ve performed on stage as well. Which do you prefer?
I love both! They are both so different. With the screen, I find it very exciting being on set and becoming part of the world of the film. It is really cool to see how the scenes come together in the final edit; it is like being part of a jigsaw puzzle. I grew up making videos and editing them together, so I have always had a keen interest in film.
What I love about theatre is being in the rehearsal room–it is such a special experience working with actors and a director for a concentrated period, bouncing ideas off each other and exploring characters in the space. Nothing beats the feeling of performing to a live audience and receiving different reactions every night. I have just finished rehearsing for FLUSH, a new comedy drama set in the women’s bathroom of a club, which we are performing at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer.
For those who don’t act on stage or in films, do you have a process for learning your lines?
Saying them aloud. People often give me funny looks because I will be sitting in the park or on the tube speaking to myself. I also find that being tested by someone else is the best way to know whether you actually know them.
Is there any advice you can offer to someone who wants to pursue a career in acting?
What would you wish you had known before embarking on this journey?
Determination and persistence are key. I am very much at the start of my career, and I have a long way to go. Get out there, meet people, connect with people who have similar interests to you, create your own work, keep learning and gain as much experience as possible.
Let’s talk about the “F” word. We have all experienced failure, and sometimes success follows. If possible, do you have a favorite failure?
I can’t think of one off the top of my head, but I do really believe that one door closes, another one opens.
I love that outlook. This is one of my favorite questions in the chat. Alright, Joanna, tell me three fun facts about yourself.
1. When I was younger, I used to take part in Owner Most Like Its Dog competitions.
2. I was in the Guinness World Records for the biggest game of musical statues.
3. I am performing at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer–come see FLUSH at 12:15pm at ‘Upstairs’ in the Pleasance Courtyard from the 30th July–25th August! Link is here
I love ending the chat with a quote. Do you have a favorite quote or saying that has inspired and motivated you in your life that you would like to share with my readers?
“You’ll never know until you try.”
Thank you for reading my chat with Joanna.
Follow her on Instagram.